smart blur for a sketch effect
Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2010 3:15 pm
Do you use the smart blur filter?
I don't use it except for creative effects. Used alone in normal mode, it is not very interesting, but it can be blended with other effects and produce an effective simplification.
What I am using mostly is the 'edge only' mode. This mode is puzzling. First of all, it has nothing to do with blurring...
Let's try it. /filter/blur/smart blur...
Radius and threshold setting is a matter of trial and error. Try something like 10,20 to begin with. Mode 'edge only'. To check the result change the control view magnification to see more or less details. Clik ok. The result is a curious sketch in white on a black background. You'll probably prefer to invert (Ctrl I) to see a more conventional black sketch. Zoom in and out to see the effect in detail or overall. Really, nothing like blur. Since the purpose of smart blur is to blur while respecting the edges and contours, you might think what you are seeing is an edge mask. The result is very different from the 'find edges' filter. It may be interesting as such, but you'll probably find it has too much detail and does not look like any traditional sketching modes.
I find I can get more pleasing results in two ways:
- either by combining the result with another sketching method like 'find edges', varying the opacity and modes of different layers
- or applying another filter: /filter/stylize/diffuse (anisotropic) and perhaps add grain.
Like other sketching methods you can use a layer copy of the original picture above the other layers in color mode with reduced opacity. And to finish, consider adding texture or tint.
An example:
http://www.prestophoto.com/photos/image/2031670
Edit: about the 'edges only' creating an edge mask, I just checked it, and I find it very effective.
I don't use it except for creative effects. Used alone in normal mode, it is not very interesting, but it can be blended with other effects and produce an effective simplification.
What I am using mostly is the 'edge only' mode. This mode is puzzling. First of all, it has nothing to do with blurring...
Let's try it. /filter/blur/smart blur...
Radius and threshold setting is a matter of trial and error. Try something like 10,20 to begin with. Mode 'edge only'. To check the result change the control view magnification to see more or less details. Clik ok. The result is a curious sketch in white on a black background. You'll probably prefer to invert (Ctrl I) to see a more conventional black sketch. Zoom in and out to see the effect in detail or overall. Really, nothing like blur. Since the purpose of smart blur is to blur while respecting the edges and contours, you might think what you are seeing is an edge mask. The result is very different from the 'find edges' filter. It may be interesting as such, but you'll probably find it has too much detail and does not look like any traditional sketching modes.
I find I can get more pleasing results in two ways:
- either by combining the result with another sketching method like 'find edges', varying the opacity and modes of different layers
- or applying another filter: /filter/stylize/diffuse (anisotropic) and perhaps add grain.
Like other sketching methods you can use a layer copy of the original picture above the other layers in color mode with reduced opacity. And to finish, consider adding texture or tint.
An example:
http://www.prestophoto.com/photos/image/2031670
Edit: about the 'edges only' creating an edge mask, I just checked it, and I find it very effective.